Somewhere down the road, I'm going to be getting a relatively inexpensive jazz copy. So far I've come up with those basses.

But I've also been thinking of spending a bit more to get a bit more bass. Like a used Metro or used Lull. Is the difference going to be that much?

Money is a bit of an issue and I have a few basses already (Fender American Jazz Deluxe V, Skyline 55-02, G&L L2500)
but as you all know, more is better! So I'd be willing to save.

I do know that Skylines are simply amazing for the price, and that the fit and finish is great for the price, so I lean towards the Skylines. But the KSD sounds great, too, and judging from previous topics about it, would give me exactly what I want.

I don't think the KDS is in the same league as the Skyline series. I've only played one.... similar to that Fender Marcus Miller bass in that it's a pretty good piece of wood, but the electronics are questionable (IMO).

The Lakland Skyline DJ model is one of the best Jazz Style instruments I'v ever played. The fit and finish of the one I played at LDS in Detroit was amazing.... I loved the small body style (similar to the Sadowsky basses), and it had the best passive growl of anything I've ever played (and I'm a 100% active bass guy). The Joe Osborne is nice also, but that DJ is awesome. The only downside to me is that the neck profile (at least for the 5 string) was a little chunky at the nut, and it was relatively heavy (I think most put it at slightly under 10 pounds).

Your Fender and G&L are nice basses already, if I were you I'd spring the extra few bucks for a used Metro (there have been quite a few on the classifieds here). I've got an RV5 and I think its great (see my review on the Gear Reviews page).

I was looking for the best (for me) 5-string Jazz-type bass I could find. I ended up with the Lakland DJ5. Mine weighs about 9.5 lbs., and has the best playing neck (for me) of any bass I've ever played. The tone is simply outstanding -- the Aeros have a terrific sound -- all kinds of growl, and big booty as well. I wasn't sure at first about the smaller vintage frets, but I absolutely love them now. Construction is top notch. Body shape is comfortable.

If you want a 60's Sound go for a Joe Osborne, if you want a more modern or 70's sound, get the DJ. I think that Lakland products are incredible and especially if you have experience with them. I have a 55-02 Dlx, a JO5 on the way, and I'm planning a year or so to get a DJ5. You cant' go wrong with Dan's camp.

If you're hell bent on an active preamp, then the KSD is a decent option since the others don't have one. On the other hand, the fit and finish of the Skylines are amazing for the price. The fretwork and pickups are exceptional. Add a J-Retro to either you have doubled the number of usable tones.

If you want a smaller body, fancy block inlays, binding Aero pickups (sound phenomenal) and a more curved fingerboard (7.25" radius) - A Darryl Jones is for you

Other wise if you want a more vintage tone, the Fralins on a JO get plenty of that. And the flatter (10" radius) fingerboard is more comfortable to me.

If a choice of finish is important to you, then keep in mind the limitations of each:
KSD - Natural
JO - Natural, Sunburst or Black
DJ - White, Black Sparkle, or Lake Placid Blue

I played a KSD for the first time today at BassNW. I was amazed at how much I WASN'T impressed. The knobs are loose and feel chinzy. The neck doesn't feel especially nice to the touch. The tone was lame/tame.

I'd go with a Lakland product, which we all seem to consider better...on the whole.

Lorenzini. I hit you up on your Fender Dlxe, but was looking for a 4. Well, that changed when I found a Skyline Joe 5 on the 'bay. It was only up for a couple hours before I had to have it. It came in yesterday morning at work. I've logged more hours on that bass so far than I have sleeping and eating since I got it. Wow! My first full-on jazz. Love the old-school vibe, wide string spacing, and overall attention to detail. The string spacing is like a 4-string.

So, check it out. I'm so taken by it without even hearing the electronics (since it arrived at work - sounded great unamped), that I call Bass Central (the one in O-town you're prolly going to) and inquire about a used Skyline 55-01; Natural w/maple board. It's been sold, but they have a used/like new, 55-02 Deluxe Natural w/Rosewood board (which I prefer) for a great price. I just happen to have the money (DB deal fell through - another story). I was going down there next weekend, but don't want to take a chance on it being gone. I can't say no! It's should be here Tuesday! So, I'm almost broke until payday, but this is what the money's for anyway